Barcelos in Kolkata

The International Food Chain from South Africa

Very rarely an international chain opens up in India before setting its foot in Mumbai or Bengaluru or even Pune; but in reality this has happened. Barcelos Flame Grilled Chicken, the internationally reputed brand with head quarters in Pretoria, South Africa has ventured into Eastern India with its first outlet in Acropolis Mall Kolkata.

Serving Middle Eastern and South African cuisine, the brand targets to maintain a balance between the traditional, healthy, home style cuisines along in the realm of fast moving food. The grilled chicken is prepared straight out of the same recipe as the Portuguese chefs used to do hundreds of years ago.

The nicely done décor inside this 3000 sq ft restaurant welcomes you with a world map which shows the countries and cities where the outlets are present. Nicely done décor with a rustic feeling has three sections of seating and the corner one is going to be the most coveted one with the walls painted with scenes from the town of Barcelos, Portugal and the story of the legend of Barcelos. Barcelos Kolkata also has a provision for sitting outside.

The food is something which Kolkata has never experienced before. With four peri peri sauces on each table - tangy lemon, mild peri, veri peri and supa peri imported from South Africa, the burgers come in red, black and white colours with a vegetarian and non vegetarian option. The colours are all natural using spinach, cocoa and beet root. The chicken grilled with peri peri sauces between the buns is juicy and the dressing with sliced jalapeños and sautéed onions just make a perfect bite.

Chicken Espatada is another signature dish where the chicken skewers are served, hanging with sliced bell pepper and onions with French fries and mayonnaise. As it is famous for its grilled chicken, the signature dish of 1/4 chicken, 1/2 chicken, full chicken, chicken steak are must-tries. These can be selected with either one or two side dishes which include spicy rice, mashed potatoes and many more. Not to miss out the grilled trout fish which is grilled with peri sauce.

While the interesting molecular welcome drinks in various flavours such as berry cucumber, tangy mango, kiwi kooler, hey Rosey is definitely are unique features with the food theatre around it, perhaps the dessert spread could have had more choices.

The opening of Barcelos is definitely a positive sign and a faith and trust on the liberal taste palate of Kolkata and the Kolkatans. Here is wishing many more brands like this to open up in the city.

Written By

A true blue Kolkata foodie, Anindya loves cooking and eating his Kosha Mangsho. Anindya weaves stories around food as he believes exceptional food is an emotional experience. Previously a restauranter, now a passionate photographer and traveller, he runs a successful blog called Pikturenama and contributes to other publications.